The Wind Beneath the Wings
Soaring 11x14 oil on gesso board
Soaring 11x14 oil on gesso board
"I can fly higher than an eagle for you are the wind beneath my wings".
Everyone, or perhaps not everyone, has someone or something that is, or
fuels, the wind beneath their wings. This Wind takes many forms. For
some it's their religious beliefs. God, Angels, a particular Saint. But
I'm putting that aside to focus on the material side of this existence
we are in.
We all are familiar with those stories of how 'someone' came into their
life just at the right moment to soar them to heights they never knew
they could reach. A relative outside of the family core; a spouse, a
teacher; a good friend; a lover; and the list goes on.
I also believe it can be a 'something'. A constant 'something'.
Listening to favorite music can make your soul soar; walking in nature;
a well loved hobby; and the list goes on.
The important thing is not what fuels that Wind, but that. . . whatever
or whomever it is. . . it needs to be there. . . to soar.
A favorite clip of mine in the movie Castaway starring Tom Hanks
happens at the end when he is sitting on the floor in a motel room
talking to a friend telling him about his marooned saga. He built a
raft, but the swells were always too high to maneuver over them. Then
he said, "But one day the winds changed", the swells were lowered and
that was the day he was able to go over them and off to freedom from
the Island he was trapped on.
The Winds changed. . . and he soared to freedom.
Let me go off track a bit and say a word about the element Wind. When I
was up at The Clearing in Door County, every morning I'd sit at a rocky
spot by the cliff and observe the movements of the water. I began to
notice its behavior was different almost every morning. One day the
waves and ripples came from the north; the next day or two they came
from the south. Sometimes they would gently lick the base of the cliff
with soothing sounds; another they would crash against the stones with
fury. And it made me think; the Wind seems to rule the world. It brings
gentle breezes, storms, carves out rock over eons, swoops in clouds;
the list goes on. And it helps the birds soar and glide like defying
gravity.
But just as the wind comes, so it goes. Quiet, still, not a leaf moves
on the tree. So can it seem when the wind beneath our wings ceases to
be due to them leaving your life . . . for whatever reason. When they
are gone, we feel stagnant, stuck, grounded, and waiting. Like the
ships of old in mid sea floating aimlessly and waiting for that wind to
begin so they can move toward their destination. That lull in windless
water is called Doldrums by the National Ocean Service. So it
translates well to when someone says they're in the doldrums. . . a
period of inactivity and a state of apathy.
So where am I going with this? Can we be our 'own wind'? I don't know.
It usually doesn't seem to work that way. Seeds need wind to grow
elsewhere. It's a gift when that Wind comes into your life. Think back.
. . reflect. . . ponder. . . who or what is it? Sometimes we are
unaware, until the wind ceases to be.
_____
Which Way 9x12 oil on canvas
Which Way 9x12 oil on canvas
I had a dull blah photograph from Door County, but I liked it as it
always brought me back to those magical tree lined trails I'd walk
every day. So I revamped it a bit and changed the coloring a tad. The
path only went one way, but to give it some mystery and intrigue I
added another way to go. I could title this painting 'Choices' and that
would fit quite well. As that what life is about. Choices. Some work
out. Some don't. Some are just what we need. Some are a nightmare in
the flesh. So at the end of the road, which way will you choose to go?
It can make all the difference in the rest of your days. Happy Trails.
_____
Full Moon on the Dead Sea 9x12 Soft Pastel
Full Moon on the Dead Sea 9x12 Soft Pastel
I did it again. Had an old photo from my traveling days to Israel that
I revamped from daytime to early nighttime and added the rising full
moon with its light cascading on the curved surf. Since travel is out
of the question now, it's fun to dig through old vacation photos and
use my imagination in how to revamp them. Water and the full moon are
one of my favorites to paint. . . and I have plenty paintings to
reflect it. The reference photo was taken at high noon so I had plenty
to revamp.
_____
Mirror Mirror 8x12 oil on black relief gessoed board
Mirror Mirror 8x12 oil on black relief gessoed board
Cindy bought the old house on an impulse. She was drawn to the castle
like appearance with its three pointed cupolas jutting toward the sky.
Reminds me of witches hats, she giggled to the quizzical Real Estate
agent.
She moved in quickly without giving much thought to repairs. I'll have
plenty of time to fix and repair, telling her friends who suggested
otherwise.
About a month into her new endeavor, she began to hear a slight weeping
in one of the upper rooms. Soft, clear, and womanly in tone. One night
when her nerves could not keep her from what was going on, she tiptoed
up the creaky stairs that were in much need of repair to where the
sound was coming from. Is it a kitten caught in the rafters?
Upon opening the door she saw in the corner of the room an apparition
floating, weeping, and whispering the lament. . . 'mirror mirror be
kind to me forever'.
The next morning her phone call to the Real Estate agent told the tale.
An aging woman residing in the house decades ago could no longer deal
with her failing beauty.
--------------------------------------------------------
Ok. It just came on me that this painting fit well for a ghost story. I
should have saved it for my Halloween edition, but. . .
The statue is in the Chicago Art Institute and I snapped it one day
when visiting. Statues intrigue me. They appeal to my spooky side. I
was in my glory in Florence, Italy when going through the museums and
gardens. I know. I know.
_____
It's Mini Time! Miniature Art Work
Little Red Schoolhouse pond 4x5 oil
Little Red Schoolhouse pond 4x5 oil
The pond at the Little Red School House is a nice place to set up an
easel and paint. . . baring no kids screaming or running up to you,
grabbing at your paints, and being bold and obstinate. Parents think
it's cute I guess.
But. . . here is one from a photo one early fall day when some trees
are still green.
Open Field Beyond the Trees 3x9 oil
Open Field Beyond the Trees 3x9 oil
Walking through Narnia 4x12 oil
Walking through Narnia 4x12 oil
Fall and Winter. I guess I'm antsy for both. I'm not a fan of heat and
humidity. I'm actually looking forward to the scene on your right. Both
are at the Arboretum.
_____
Oxford bridge 5x5 oil
Oxford bridge 5x5 oil
Oxford bridge 2 5x5 oil
Oxford bridge 5x5 oil
This is the same painting. I did it way back, can't remember when. But
one day while going through my previous works, I came across this one
and thought, Hmmmm. . . how about someone on the bridge? So I took a
brush and place someone on it, almost looks like they are walking with
a dog too. I share this because it shows what a different feel it gives
the painting by adding life to it. It changes the mood and dynamics.
Even adding a bird or animals does the same. I sure do like the right
side. This is a scene in Oxford, England by the river at the end of the
town. It was a favorite place for students to go, rent canoes, or walk
the bridge. No one was on it when I took my photo. Playing around with
revamping . . . again!
_____
Someones Grandfather 11x14 oil
Someones Grandfather 11x14 oil
I was called upon to do a commission of this man by his grandchildren.
He's gone now, lived to 92 I was told, and they gave me a earlier photo
of him to paint. They are giving it to their Grandmother for her
birthday in September. He was German, but loved Ireland and in his
glass is Irish Whiskey. It's certainly a challenge to do a portrait of
someone and to get the likeness down pat. I was nervous to take the
commission, but was told by others. . . just do it. I captured him to a
T and the people are very pleased. Now I'm not so nervous to take
portrait commissions! Stretch and challenge yourself is the order for
the day!
_____
Art Classes Resume at
The Center
12700 Southwest Highway
Palos Park, IL
708-361-3650
Starting Friday September 11 for six weeks I'll be teaching Oil
Painting classes again!
If you're inclined to give it a try, give them a call at the end of
this month to register. Class size will be limited and previous
students will be returning. . . so call early and get your name on the
list!
_____
What a life
What a life
He's taking a break from eating our sunflower seeds I guess.
Thank you for reading my artful newsletters. I enjoy your comments
immensely and thank you for them.
I know I pound this. . . but. . . nothing like a nice piece of artwork
to brighten yours or someones day. Some pieces I do I cannot even give
up cause they bring me such peace and joy to look at.
Stay well ~
til next month. . .
Painting with Passion ~
Arlene
www.arlenetilghman.com
follow me on Instagram at arlenefineart.
check out my Etsy shop now and then for new stuff not shown on my
website.
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